KLH Model 17

Name: KLH 17
Brand: KLH

The KLH Model 17 is a two-way acoustic suspension bookshelf speaker from the mid-1960s. It was built to compete with the Acoustic Research AR-2a, and it came in slightly more affordable. It uses an 8-inch acoustic suspension woofer and a 2-inch cone tweeter, crossed over at 1.5 kHz through a simple 6 dB/octave network. The cabinet is sealed. Rated specs are 33 Hz to 22 kHz (±3 dB) frequency response, 90 dB sensitivity, 8-ohm impedance, and a recommended 15-60 watts of amplifier power. Each unit measures 22.4 × 11.5 × 9.2 inches and weighs 22.3 pounds.

High Fidelity (August 1965, p.61) reviewed the Model 17 as a full-range system in an integral enclosure, noting the oiled walnut finish and the 8-ohm input impedance. The same magazine's earlier ad copy (March 1965, p.19) made the classic KLH claim: quality first, price tag last, with an emphasis on low bass distortion for the money. That positioning makes sense — the Model 17 sat above the entry-level Model 20 and below the top-of-the-line Model 6 in KLH's lineup. It's remembered today as a clean, well-balanced, and pleasing speaker that can sound surprisingly good with the right amplifier, though it doesn't match the bass extension or high-frequency reach of the larger Model 6 or the AR-2a.

Like most KLH speakers of this era, the Model 17 mostly suffers from age. The woofer's foam surrounds dry rot and need replacement. The paper tweeter can become brittle and fail. The crossover capacitors drift out of spec over time. None of these are difficult repairs for a competent restorer, and the simple construction makes it a good candidate for a refresh. If you find a pair, the known specs are:

Type: 2-way bookshelf, acoustic suspension (sealed)
Woofer: 8" acoustic suspension
Tweeter: 2" cone
Crossover: 1.5 kHz, simple 6 dB/octave network
Frequency response: 33 Hz – 22 kHz (±3 dB)
Impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL
Recommended power: 15–60 W
Dimensions: 22.4 × 11.5 × 9.2 in (H×W×D)
Weight: 22.3 lbs

Production years and original price aren't documented in the surviving record. That's a common gap for KLH's mid-line models.